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I would like to thank Sen. James Risch for introducing the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Act. Having volunteered with Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, I know how many hours of work and collaboration it took to get this proposal submitted. I encourage Representative Raul Labrador and Sen. Mike Crapo, as well as Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter to consider supporting it as well.

In contrast to the marked partisan behavior to which we have all been subject the past several years, this submission is a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively), as FSPW opted to work WITH potential opponents, understanding that compromise ultimately is the best option for all parties involved.

We need unspoiled wilderness, and although you might feel differently, at some point someone you know or love will find solace, healing, joy or excitement by trekking out into an area that has few permanent signs of human intervention. Conversely, some day you or a friend might need motorized access to an area of the forest or mountains due to age or disability. Having a balance of wilderness, hunting, developed roads, motorized access, timber harvest and everything else for which we use this land is critical. This does not mean we each have to enjoy all of the above, but we can all live with a compromise that allows our public lands to be shared by all interests.

CELESTE GRACE

Sandpoint